Homicide lawyer in Jennings, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Jennings, MO is one of the most severe legal challenges anyone can encounter. These charges carry serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. If you have been accused of homicide in Jennings, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.
Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. You’ll have the chance to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our seasoned team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
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Types of Homicide Charges in Jennings, MO and Throughout Missouri
Homicide charges vary depending on the circumstances and intent behind the killing. It’s important to understand the different types of homicide charges that could apply:
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder in Jennings, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics of the case.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder encompasses intentional killings that occur without premeditation. This charge is also a class A felony and can lead to sentences of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Unlike murder in the first degree, individuals convicted of this crime may qualify for parole after serving at least 85 percent of their sentence.
Manslaughter:
Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of another individual without the intention to take their life. It can be classified as voluntary – occurring in a moment of passion – or involuntary – resulting from reckless or negligent conduct. Manslaughter is categorized as a class B or class C felony.
Vehicular Manslaughter
This involves causing an individual’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and penalties for vehicular manslaughter vary depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were involved.
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What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Jennings, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, when one individual causes the death of another. However, not all instances of homicide quality as murder; some may be classified as manslaughter, while others may be deemed lawful, such as cases involving an affirmative defense like self-defense or insanity.
If you are facing homicide charges in Jennings, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Jennings, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Jennings, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Remain Silent: When police say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read your Miranda rights, believe them. Saying the wrong thing during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Jennings, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in our current climate, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Jennings, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Jennings, MO Homicide Lawyer
Facing homicide charges in or around Jennings, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Jennings, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and all relevant materials. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will meticulously analyze every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Jennings, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Jennings, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Jennings, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Jennings, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and the opportunity to respond. Additionally, you have the right to an impartial judge or jury to determine your guilt or innocence. Prosecutors must provide all exculpatory evidence, and failing to do so infringes on your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. While waiving these rights is an option, it’s best to assert your right to remain silent and immediately contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Jennings, MO and beyond. This means they must provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around Jennings, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive Jennings, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, particularly if the evidence against you is overwhelming. The Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers always act in your best interest. While they may provide guidance and expert legal advice, the final decision is yours.
When you’re accused of homicide in the Jennings, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Jennings, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Jennings, MO residents:
Reach Out to an Expert Jennings, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Jennings, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Jennings, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Jennings, MO, take action now.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Jennings, MO now to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation case assessment.
